When it comes to puppy nipping and biting, having some helpful tools in your toolkit will help save your hands (and clothes) from becoming your puppy's teething target. Preventive Vet's certified dog trainer and behavior consultant, Cathy Madson, shares her top picks for toys, treats, and chews to help with your nipping puppy. Combine these with teaching your puppy appropriate behaviors, such as drop it and leave it, to set your puppy up for success.
Safety Note: As with all chews and toys, supervise your puppy to ensure their safety. Throw away chews before they are small enough to swallow. Toys should be sized appropriately for your puppy so they cannot be choked on or swallowed, and throw away toys when they become damaged.
Edible Chews
Give your puppy something enticing to put their teeth on that isn't your hands!
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Barkworthies Odor-Free 12" Bully Sticks
Buy on Chewy | Buy on Amazon
Bully sticks are a great "shield" when it comes to a nipping puppy and are often more exciting than toys.
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Earth Animal No-Hide Chews
Buy on Amazon
These are a great chew option for puppies since they are more easily digestible than rawhide.
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Best Toys and Enrichment for Teething Puppies
Puppies that are teething often find relief by chewing on chilled toys. Make sure you're providing much needed enrichment activities that help satisfy your pup's natural instinct to chew.
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Cool Teething Stick Toy from Petstages
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This toy is easy to soak and then throw in the freezer before giving your puppy, and stays soft enough for their sensitive teeth.
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KONG Puppy Toy
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The KONG can be used both as a teething or chew toy, but when stuffed with treats or kibble and frozen, doubles as great enrichment for your puppy. Need some KONG stuffing inspiration to get started? Watch this Preventive Vet Facebook live video showing four different KONG stuffing recipes to try with your puppy.
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KONG Teething Stick
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This soft yet tough teething stick can be smeared and stuffed with with peanut butter (or wet food) and frozen. Perfect for small dogs less than 35 lbs.
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IQ Treat Mat from Hyper Pets
Buy on Amazon
Using a licking mat is a great way to slow down eating and provides soothing enrichment for your puppy. To prevent your pup from grabbing it and taking off (or chewing it instead of licking it), simply place the mat in a baking pan with raised sides. This makes it really tough to grab a corner and lift it up. Freeze the mat after you spread the peanut butter or wet food for an even cooler treat.
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Flirt Pole with Fleece Lures
Buy on Chewy | Buy on Amazon
A flirt pole provides fun exercise and is a great tool when teaching your puppy the drop it cue. It's also helpful to play with your puppy without your hands being so close to their mouth!
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Top Treats for Training Puppies
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Dog Training Food Tube
Buy on Amazon
Simply fill this tube with peanut butter (mixed with water to make for easier delivery) or your puppy's wet food. Treating your puppy during training using this type of tool means they won't be nipping or biting at your fingers, and encourages licking instead of snapping for treats.
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Lickety Stik Liquid Dog Treat
Buy on Amazon
This low-calorie super stinky dog treat bottle keeps your fingers out of the way of snapping puppy teeth.
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Leanlix from Himalayan Dog Treats
Buy on Pets Warehouse
This is an absolute favorite for teaching puppies to lick for treats and practice a soft mouth during training sessions and on leashed walks.
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Zuke's Puppy Naturals Training Treats
Buy on Chewy | Buy on Amazon
These soft training treats are perfect for teaching your puppy to drop it on cue, or for tossing across the room to prevent jumping and nipping. Plus, they're low-calorie and low-fat, making them a guilt-free training treat!
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Charlee Bear Dog Treats
Buy on Chewy | Buy on Amazon
If you're doing lots of training repetitions, these crunchy treats are low-calorie and easier on your pup's tummy.
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